The Joy of Suffering

Do you find yourself looking inward when you are suffering?

Suffering is a part of life. We have good times, and we have bad times. Suffering is no fun, and honestly physically and emotionally painful. It is a time when we can feel all alone. It is also a time that some of us seek comfort. Why do we endure suffering in this life?

"Suffering is hard, and we tend to either focus on the mess we are in or the God who can get us out."

-Jamie Harper. The Apostle Paul, used his suffering to advance the gospel. Some of the suffering that Paul endured: imprisonment, skepticism, gossip due to his actions, and judgement due to his past. He was also: stripped and beaten with rods and flogged, five times he received 40 lashes from the Jews. When Paul was in prison, he was singing and praising Jesus. He wrote several of his letters, which are now books of the Bible. He shared how Jesus had transformed his life. Paul was internally at peace from Christ. He was no longer living for himself. He was living to bring others to believe in this gift giver of great peace, Jesus. Because Paul was in chains, it became "clear to the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ." -Philippians 1:14

Paul was willing to suffer to encourage others to believe in the one true God. The God who had blinded him, and then told him what to do to receive his sight again. God followed through with this promise to restore Paul's sight. The Bible is today, because of Paul's suffering. He continues to spread the good news of the kingdom that is to come, due to his willingness to hold onto hope throughout his suffering.

Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind. Jesus suffered throughout His entire life that He walked the Earth. Jesus made a way, for all who believe in Him, to be with Him in glory forever.

My Mom has been suffering for some time now. All of the things that use to come easy to her are now very difficult. She is often questioning why God is letting her be like this. I remind her that God is using her ability to continue to share joy with others, in this time. She continues to look forward to when she will get to go be with God in heaven.

If you find yourself in a time of suffering, remember you are never alone. Jesus longs for us to call on Him, and to rely on Him throughout our suffering. Try to change your woo's into praise. Give gratitude to God for all He has done for you in this lifetime. We have lived in comfort. We have lived in plenty. We have not wanted for much. Praise God!

Paul writes: "I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body." - Philippians 1:23-24

Please go back and read the last post again on Christ-mas.

I expanded on what was written, and hope you find hope while reading.